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Natural radioactivity level and evaluation of radiological hazard in the soil around a gold mining area in the North Region of Burkina Faso

Author

Listed:
  • Karim Kabore
  • Luc Telado Bambara
  • Inoussa Zongo
  • Ousmane Cisse
  • François Zougmore
  • Emmanuel Ofori Darko

Abstract

The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in soil samples from the North Region of Burkina Faso around the mining site of Kalsaka were measured by gamma spectrometry using high purity germanium detector. Radiological hazard assessment due to such natural radioactivity was also investigated. The average activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were found to be 26.06 ± 1.50 Bq.kg-1, 33.27 ± 1.97 Bq.kg-1 and 133.11 ± 13.69 Bq.kg-1 respectively. The average absorbed dose was 0.038 µGy/h whereas the annual committed effective dose was 0.050 ± 0.003 mSv.y-1. The average radium equivalent activity concentration was 83.89 Bq.kg-1. The external and internal hazard indices were 0.23 and 0.30 respectively which are three times less than one. The activity utilisation index was 0.6 Bq.kg-1 with maximum of 0.79 Bq.kg-1. The mean effective dose rate of 0.05 ± 0.003 mSv.y-1 and the mean values of Raeq and Hex and Hin for the studied area are below their respective permissible limits, thus indicating that radiation hazard is not significant in this area.

Suggested Citation

  • Karim Kabore & Luc Telado Bambara & Inoussa Zongo & Ousmane Cisse & François Zougmore & Emmanuel Ofori Darko, 2022. "Natural radioactivity level and evaluation of radiological hazard in the soil around a gold mining area in the North Region of Burkina Faso," International Journal of Global Environmental Issues, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 21(2/3/4), pages 343-356.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijgenv:v:21:y:2022:i:2/3/4:p:343-356
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